Televisions are becoming more sophisticated with many features like on demand, recording with programme rewind/restart. As well as the range of sizes available, there are countless technology standards, features and enhancements. All this makes choosing a TV a daunting and confusing maze of choices if it’s time for a TV upgrade.
If your TV looks like any of them in the picture above or you are struggling to access catch up or streaming services, it may be time to purchase a new one.
When buying a new TV, there are several key factors to consider. Let’s break it down:
TV Upgrade Specification
- Budget: The range of domestic televisions range from as little as £100 to many thousands of pounds. Look for your most important features and then add the functions to suit your budget on your TV upgrade.
- Screen Size: Choose a screen size that fits your intended space. Bigger screens provide a more immersive experience for movies, sports & games.
- Resolution: More pixels mean better depth and crisp detail. Select a TV with at least 4K resolution which currently has broadcasts at this resolution. An 8K TV will future proof for when it becomes more available. Avoid full HD (1080p) sets unless you’re looking for a smaller TV (32 inches or less).
- Environment: Some televisions are built to enhance viewing for different environments. TVs with high contrast, vibrant colours, darker blacks and glossy screens enhance colours for dark environments. Glossy screens in a lighter environment are unsuitable due to reflections.
- TV Technology:
- LED: Backlit by LEDs, LED TVs offer deep blacks and vibrant colours and energy-efficient.
- OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diode tech for perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and vivid colours.
- QLED: Quantum Dot technology provide enhanced picture quality and over a billion colours.
- QNED: Combines Quantum Dot and Nano Cell tech for stunning visuals.
- Mini LED: Thousands of tiny LED bulbs improve local dimming and contrast.
- HDR: High Dynamic Range delivers accurate details, shadows, and lifelike colours.
- HDR10: Some TVs upscale non-HDR content to near-HDR quality.
- Sound quality: Most speakers are built to deliver sound from the back of the screen but have inbuilt technology to enhance the sound. Sound bars and systems may enhance the sound production.
Viewing Habits
Your viewing habits will in some way guide you into the type of TV upgrade you will choose. Whether you watch movies, sports or play games and environment will influence your ideal TV features. A big screen for movies is a must with 4k or 8k and powerful built in speakers. Sports fans should go for a big screen with wide viewing angles and a high refresh rate. Gamers should also go for a high refresh rate and a high resolution with plenty of connection options with a low lag.
TV upgrade: Ports
Also, consider the following important ports and features:
- HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): This versatile port connects most devices (media players, gaming consoles, etc.) to your TV. Look for HDMI 2.1 for the highest quality and features with enough ports to connect your devices.
- USB Ports: Useful for connecting external drives for media playback or recording programmes.
- WiFi: For connecting to the internet without a wire. The further the TV is from the router, more likely there will be issues. Additional WiFi devices may be required.
- Bluetooth: Offers the ability to connect devices wirelessly such as headphones, speakers, mobiles, etc.
- Ethernet Port: If you want a wired internet connection, this is essential.
- Composite Video (RCA): Older devices may require this port, but it’s less common now.
- eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel): For high-quality audio from your TV to a soundbar or AV receiver.
- Satellite/Cable Input: Necessary for connecting cable or satellite dishes.
- Optical Out: Not used as much now but can offer great sound quality without interference and offers compatibility.
- Antenna: All current televisions should have this connection for connecting an aerial for Freeview services.
You may need specific ports depending on what you want to connect to it and to match your preferences so check before you choose on your TV upgrade.
Streaming Apps
You may not have access to all of the streaming services above. It may be an issue with the TV, internet connection or the age of your TV. Some older smart TV’s have seen some popular streaming service Apps being removed from their television. These TV’s are no longer supported by the broadcasters. You may be able to connect a steaming device such as a FireStick, Apple TV or Chromecast, etc to access your normal Apps.
If you would like any advice on televisions, TV upgrade or require one setting up, please contact PC Kings or make a home call appointment.